December 12, 2003

We're taking an extra day in Chiang Mai to sort some things out. (And to make sure that Claudia is fully recovered from her hangover.)

Where do we go next? Okay, we got that: Nan (VIP, air-con bus, 211 baht/person. Not bad. We leave 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning and should arrive around 1:30 p.m.)

When are we going to Cambodia? Probably within the next week. We've been researching whether we want to fly or overland. Flights are looking expensive though, and my budget cringes, whimpers and threatens lunacy at the thought of spending $300 on a flight. We'll probably overland it and brave the minimum 8-hour potholed, nausea-inducing, whiplash-causing bumpy back-of-a-pickup ride from the border to Siem Reap.

What about Cambodian visas? If you're trying to figure it out, here's the skinny:

Overlanding via Aranya Prathet (Thailand)/ Poipet (Cambodia): Get it at the border. $20 and a passport photo, though the guards might try to eek out a bit more to pad their pockets. This FAQ has more details on this and other potential scams and visa details.

Flying to either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh: Get it at the airport. $20 and a passport photo, and far less likelihood of being scammed.

What about the rest of my time here? First Nan, then perhaps a bit in Phitsanulok (the 2nd most important Buddha image in Thailand is there). Then probably Cambodia, perhaps over my birthday (Xmas Eve) and Christmas. We'll finish with an island (I'm not leaving Thailand without being on an island for a few days) and Kanchanaburi/ Erawan Falls.